Richard M. King

Heavy Equipment Operator 2nd Class

Before entering the service, attending college and becoming a professional was the furthest thing from my mind. In 1965, at eighteen, I enlisted in the military and completed two tours in Vietnam. After my discharge in 1969, I finished college and law school and have enjoyed a fulfilling professional career. My change in direction was due to my combat service in Vietnam, which gave me discipline and a chance to better myself.

Vietnam veterans, especially those like me who started college after our military service, came home to anti-war protests. We were perceived and treated differently than veterans treated upon returning from other wars. "Thank you for your service" was not used as it is today, so we just did not talk about our service. Fortunately, this is no longer the case, and I feel pride when sharing my military experiences.